Students ditch 20th century for Pompeii

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Even a straightforward exam such as yesterday's may not be
enough to convince students that Hitler is more fascinating than
Hannibal.

For the first time in the Higher School Certificate's history,
there were fewer students sitting yesterday's modern history exam
than those who will sit ancient history tomorrow. But teachers are
hoping the NSW Board of Studies' decision to prune the HSC modern
history syllabus may even up the numbers again.

Tina Kenny, a modern history teacher at Trinity Catholic College
in Auburn, said her students were very happy with the exam.

"All of the questions very clearly addressed the syllabus, they
were clearly worded, but at the same time invited argument from
students," she said. "So those at the top of the class could do
more than just regurgitate a whole lot of historical
information."

Mark Spooner, of Penrith's Jamison High School, agreed. But as a
teacher of both HSC modern and ancient history - and an exam marker
for the latter - he understands why increasing numbers of students
are opting for the fall of Pompeii over the fall of the Iron
Curtain.

"There has been too much content [in HSC modern history] which
doesn't grab the kids," he said. "It's a very political course, and
they prefer the social aspects [of history]. The preliminary course
in ancient history is just more exciting, it lures the kids
in."

HSC history in all its forms has been steadily rising in
popularity in recent years.

But in response to a chorus of criticism by teachers over the
crowded curriculum, the board announced changes to the modern
history syllabus in September. Consequently, year 11 students
studying modern history in 2005 will focus more on the
personalities that shaped modern history, from Golda Meir to Nelson
Mandela.

The content has been streamlined, the structure simplified and
the course will also give students the option to personalise their
study by researching the experiences of a relative or unknown
soldier who fought on the Western Front during World War I.

While only 15 students at Trinity Catholic College sat
yesterday's exam, about 40 students will begin preparing for the
HSC modern history exam next year, Ms Kenny said.

An 18-year-old Kogarah High School student has spent the
past week in Villawood detention centre instead of sitting her HSC
exams after immigration officials rejected an application to waive
the conditions on her bridging visa.

Her lawyer, Michaela Byers, said the the student, known only as
Verlicia, was detained last Wednesday, despite previous assurances
that she would be free to complete her exams.

A Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous
Affairs spokeswoman said the student did not hold a student visa
and was not entitled to a government-provided education.